By Dubai is gearing up for an extravagant New Year’s Eve 2025 celebration, highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display at the iconic Burj Khalifa. As thousands of residents and tourists flock to the city, Dubai has released detailed traffic, metro, and parking plans to ensure smooth and safe celebrations for all attendees.
To mark the New Year’s holiday, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced free parking across all public parking areas in Dubai on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, with the exception of multi-storey parking facilities, which will remain paid. Regular paid parking services will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Additionally, the Dubai Metro will operate continuously from 5 am on December 31 to the end of January 1, while the Dubai Tram will run from 6 am on December 31 until 1 am on January 2. Some public bus routes will be temporarily suspended during the holiday period.
Dubai Metro to Run Non-Stop for 43 Hours
To accommodate the influx of visitors, the Dubai Metro will operate non-stop for 43 hours, starting at 5 am on December 31 and continuing until 12 am on January 2. Covering all 53 stations, the Metro will provide easy and efficient access to Downtown Dubai and other key celebration points.
Road Closures for Crowd Management
Several roads will be closed to manage the expected large crowds in and around Downtown Dubai. The road closures include:
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
- Burj Khalifa Street
- Al Asayel Street
- Lower Financial Centre Road
- Al Mustaqbal Street
- Al Sukook Street
- Sheikh Zayed Road (closed gradually starting from 11 pm on December 31)
Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid delays caused by traffic congestion.
Designated Parking Areas and Shuttle Buses
For those traveling by car, parking will be available at several Metro stations, including:
- Jebel Ali
- Etisalat
- Centrepoint
- Jumeirah Golf Estates
Additional parking will be available at Al Wasl Club, Al Kifaf, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Free shuttle buses will transport visitors from these parking areas to the main celebration venues.
Free Public Viewing Areas
For those eager to catch the dazzling fireworks up close, special public viewing areas will be open from 5 pm on December 31. These areas will feature LED screens broadcasting the fireworks and entertainment live, ensuring everyone gets a front-row experience.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Celebration
To make the most of Dubai’s New Year’s Eve festivities, follow these tips:
- Arrive Early: Beat the traffic by arriving at Downtown Dubai well before the celebrations begin.
- Use Public Transport: The Dubai Metro is the most convenient way to reach the event.
- Park Smartly: Utilize designated parking zones for hassle-free travel.
- Follow Signs: Pay attention to directions for free public viewing areas.
- Stay Safe: Enjoy the celebrations responsibly and look out for others.
Dubai’s comprehensive traffic and metro plans aim to make this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration safe, organized, and memorable for everyone. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, prepare in advance and enjoy the magic of ringing in 2025 at the heart of the UAE.
